Two problems related to engine noise have been reported for the 2005 Nissan Xterra. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Nissan Xterra based on all problems reported for the 2005 Xterra.
Driving with family on interstate 5 on the right lane going 60-62 mph. Without no light sensor warning from the Xterra or no other warning whatsoever, it slowed down drastically from 60mph to 30mph, and I can see fast moving vehicles passing me. There was a huge semi truck behind us, he started to flash his high beam on us from behind. I try to accelerate but it would not, it just make a very loud engine sound. The semi truck so close behind us, I got scared, I signal right to pull over to the shoulder and doing so we almost got hit by another car that was merging to the freeway because the Xterra was very slow. We pulled to the shoulder, put in park and the Xterra has a weird smell coming out of the engine front. I try to shift to drive but it didn't move. I try to shift to reverse to park the Xterra in a better position off the freeway but it didn't move. Two hours later, the tow truck arrive. I was extremely upset our entire family could have been kill because there was no warning light.
My Nissan Xterra started making a vibration sound around August of 2011. It sounded like your vehicle was running over a "rumble strip". It was infrequent at first so I ignored it. I did notice some other warning signs of potential trouble (at hindsight). The vehicles heater would never heat the interior of the vehicle at idle, but would do it at speed. Nissan knows the issue is a defect but refuses to take responsibility. Several times while I have been driving the vehicle it would shudder and almost result in a accident. I have only narrowly avoided a collision on 3 separate occasions. Nissan extended the powertrain warranty to 80,000 miles because they know of the issue, but refuse to admit its a defect. Had I been informed about the warranty extention I may have been able to have it services while within the warranty period. My vehicle is currently at 83,000 miles, but within the 96 month portion of the warranty. I'm currently afraid to drive the vehicle on the highway because I'm worried the transmission will fail at high speed and result in a serious accident.